When the noise of the modern world becomes overwhelming, many turn to the timeless teachings of Stoic philsopher Epictetus.
His insights, drawn from a life of hardship and philosophical study, offer us profound guidance on how to live with purpose, resilience, and inner peace.
Today, we explore some of the best quotes from Epictetus on life and delve into the lessons they impart.
Whether you are navigating personal challenges, seeking clarity in your goals, or striving to live more virtuously, these might just provide the wisdom you need.
Epictetus Quotes On Life
01 “Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!”
Epictetus reminds us that the quality of our lives holds greater significance than the mere length.
02 “It is more necessary for the soul to be cured than the body; for it is better to die than to live badly.”
Prioritizing the health of our soul over our physical well-being is a central tenet of Stoicism. Living virtuously, even in the face of death, is better than compromising our principles for a longer, but less honorable existence.
03 “Keep the prospect of death, exile and all such apparent tragedies before you every day – especially death – and you will never have an abject thought, or desire anything to excess.”
By keeping the inevitability of death and misfortune in mind, we cultivate resilience and temperance.
04 “It is better to die of hunger having lived without grief and fear, than to live with a troubled spirit, amid abundance.”
True peace comes from within, not from external wealth or comfort.
05 “Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”
Acceptance of events as they unfold, rather than wishing for them to align with our desires, leads to inner peace.
06 “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.”
Understanding the limits of our control is essential for achieving happiness.
07 “No man is free who is not master of himself. A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.”
True freedom comes from self-mastery and independence from external factors.
08 “If any be unhappy, let him remember that he is unhappy by reason of himself alone. For God hath made all men to enjoy felicity and constancy of good.”
Our unhappiness is often a result of our own perceptions and choices.
09 “He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.”
Humor, especially self-directed, is a powerful tool for maintaining perspective and humility.
Key Takeaways
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity in Life
Epictetus teaches us to value the quality of our lives over its length. “Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!” emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with virtue and purpose rather than merely seeking longevity.
2. Focus on the Health of Your Soul
The soul’s well-being should be our primary concern. Epictetus highlights this with, “It is more necessary for the soul to be cured than the body; for it is better to die than to live badly.”
3. Embrace Mortality
Keeping the prospect of death and misfortune in mind helps us maintain inner peace. “Keep the prospect of death, exile and all such apparent tragedies before you every day – especially death – and you will never have an abject thought, or desire anything to excess.” This constant awareness helps temper our desires and fears.
4. Accept Events as They Happen
“Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.” Acceptance of events as they unfold leads to inner peace, freeing us from unnecessary suffering and disappointment.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” Epictetus reminds us that understanding the limits of our control is essential for achieving happiness. By focusing on what we can change, we find contentment in our actions.
6. Achieve True Freedom Through Self-Mastery
“No man is free who is not master of himself. A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.” True freedom comes from self-mastery and independence from external factors. Rooting our happiness in our inner virtues rather than external conditions allows us to achieve true liberty.
Join The Conversation
I hope these timeless teachings of Epictetus have resonated with you and offered some valuable insights.
If you found this article helpful and would like to continue exploring Stoic wisdom, I invite you to join my Stoic email newsletter. You’ll receive regular doses of inspiration, practical advice, and reflections on living a virtuous life.
Additionally, I would love to hear from you! Do you have any favorite quotes from Epictetus or other Stoic philosophers? How have these teachings impacted your life? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments section below.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
